Topco Expands Supplier Safety Requirements
SKOKIE, Ill. -- Topco Associates LLC here recently notified its suppliers that they'll now be expected to be certified under a program that assures their food safety and quality management systems are fully documented, verified for effectiveness, and audited annually for compliance by an independent body.
The private label procurement company said in its TopNews e-newsletter that one widely recognized program that provides the type and level of assurance that Topco seeks is the SQF (Safe Quality Food) program developed by the Safe Quality Food Institute, a division of the Food Marketing Institute. Topco suppliers are expected to be at least Level 2 certified and working toward Level 3 certification, or the equivalent, by the end of 2008.
The private label procurement company said in its TopNews e-newsletter that one widely recognized program that provides the type and level of assurance that Topco seeks is the SQF (Safe Quality Food) program developed by the Safe Quality Food Institute, a division of the Food Marketing Institute. Topco suppliers are expected to be at least Level 2 certified and working toward Level 3 certification, or the equivalent, by the end of 2008.